The Center for Design and City connects civic leaders with designers to create more vibrant, sustainable and
livable communities, a press release reads.

"In
addition to having preservation experiences at local, state and national
levels, (Blazevich) has Midwestern ties," conference co-manager Elaine Robinson
said.

This year's 34th conference is called "Michigan Places
Matter" in recognition of Governor Rick Snyder's approach to
"placemaking." This is the first time the city of Jackson will host
the annual MHPN conference.

The conference is expected to bring 400 preservation network
delegates and will feature a mix of education session on historic preservation
and tours of Jackson area's historical sites, including an all-day tour titled
"History, Culture, and Kitsch: A Cruise along US-12 through the Irish
Hills."

Blazevich's keynote address May 16 at St. Mary Star of the Sea
Catholic Church will highlight the event.

Founded in 1981, the MHPN is the largest membership organization
in the state dedicated to recognizing and preserving Michigan's cultural and
architectural heritage.

Most sessions will be
organized at the Commonwealth Commerce Center, 209 E. Washington Ave. in
Jackson. The cost of tickets varies depending on events. Details can be found
at www.mhpn.org.

Contact Will Forgrave at wforgrav@mlive.com or
517-262-7554. Follow him on Twitter at @WillForgrave.